McIntosh MCD-205 Changer?

The MCD205 is a good player, but it can be beat by others. Last year I compared it with a Rega Jupiter and preferred the Jupiter. The Jupiter was smoother and more musical. The thing I don't like about the MCD205 is that if you want to change a disc you have to stop playing the current CD. With carousel mechanisms you can continue playing a CD while you change out the others.

Budrew, thank you for sharing your AB comparison between the MC205 and Rega Jupiter. So I take it that you got rid of your MCD205? I read your thread posted over a year ago when you just got the 205. Appreciate the info..

I have owned a 205 for a little over 1 year now. I can compare it to the Anthem CD-1 (tubed changer), and the Sony 333 and XA777ES. I have the 205 because I wanted a changer and it can be worked from the same remote as the rest of my MAC gear (MA6900 and MR85). It is a great sounding player - warm, articulate and very musical (I agree with JRD351's description). It is better on redbook than the 333 was and I find it pretty close to the XA777 on redbook (in fact, I would settle by calling them different not placing one over the other). It sounded much better than the Anthem as well.

I used to use my 205 as a transport connected to the MSB platinum plus DAC. Eventually I sold the MSB because I preferred the sound of the 205 by itself over the combo. The MSB did some nice things that the 205 alone did not, but the 205 was just more musical and invovling on its own.

It is a drawback that you have to stop the music to change a disk, but that is the only drawback I can think of as far as an excellent sounding multi-disc player is concerned.

There is one on sale here at audiogon right now for $1800. Good Luck,

The Jupiter is a very different sound than the 205 and I would not say the Jupiter is more musical IMO, but they were playing in different systems.... I seek out musicality above all else and agree with Pardales that the 205 is very musical indeed and looks great. I am glad to hear about the 333 comparison because I want one. I would get the 205 but can't afford it yet. Arthur

Thanks for sharing more feedback on CDPs.
I'm not familiar with D Sony ex series CDPs. Although I have a Sony MDX-5 (5 disc CD carousel player w/MD recorder/player) which I now rarely use since my Pioneer CD/LD player sounded better.

I'm on a hunt to complete my system with a better source.
After reading reviews from various Audiophile websites, here are the 2 contenders(w/ my concerns)in my book: Aero Prima 24/192(Product Support & rare); MC205(Sound quality to price ratio, would b nice if tube output).

Had the chance to auditioned the Meridian 588 CDP w/ their DSP8000 spkrs. That was one smooth ...very smooth..soothing system to listen too..the piano....Diana Krall..just amazing but out of my league.

I'm set to audition these two(Aero & Mc) CDPs next monday w/ my Pioneer CDP for an AB comparison. This definitely should be interesting.

Still on a dilema whether to just add a DAC or get a new CDP.
joel